Hey there, lovely ladies! Have you ever walked into someone's home and instantly felt enveloped in warmth and comfort? That feeling of coziness, where every nook and cranny seems to whisper, "Welcome home." Well, the good news is that you can create that same magical ambiance in your own space. Whether you're a domestic diva or a minimalist at heart, turning your house into a cozy home is all about infusing your personality, memories, and a little touch of creativity into your living space.

So, gather 'round, grab a cup of tea, and let's dive into the secrets of making your house feel like a cozy home.

1. Layer with Love: Soft, plush textiles are your best friend when it comes to coziness. Invest in comfy cushions, throws, and blankets in your favorite colors and patterns. Mixing textures like velvet, wool, and faux fur can add depth and warmth to any room.

2. Personalize with Memories: What makes a house truly feel like a home are the memories you create in it. Decorate your space with family photos, souvenirs from your travels, or artwork that speaks to your soul. These personal touches not only reflect your identity but also make your space uniquely yours.

3. Warm Lighting: Nothing sets the mood quite like lighting. Ditch the harsh overhead lights and opt for softer, warmer lighting options. Table lamps, floor lamps, and even string lights can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Scented candles can also add an extra layer of coziness.

4. Embrace Nature: Bring a bit of the outdoors inside by incorporating houseplants or fresh flowers. They not only freshen up the air but also add a touch of natural beauty to your home. Plus, caring for plants can be a soothing and rewarding hobby.

5. Create Nooks: If you have a little extra space, consider creating cozy nooks or reading corners. A comfy chair, a side table, and a bookshelf filled with your favorite reads can become your go-to spot for relaxation.

6. Declutter Mindfully: Cozy homes aren't cluttered homes. While personal items are important, be mindful of excess clutter that can make your space feel chaotic. Opt for storage solutions that keep your belongings organized and out of sight when necessary.

7. Add Warm Colors: Color can play a significant role in creating a cozy atmosphere. Earthy tones like warm browns, soft yellows, and deep greens can instantly make a space feel inviting and snug.

8. Soft Music: Consider playing soft, soothing music in the background to enhance the ambiance. Whether it's classical tunes or your favorite acoustic playlist, the right music can transform your home into a serene retreat.

9. Layer Rugs: Area rugs not only add warmth to your space but also define different areas within a room. Layering rugs with varying textures and sizes can create depth and coziness.

10. Keep It Functional: Lastly, don't forget that your home should be functional too. Make sure your furniture arrangement allows for easy movement, and choose pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable and practical.

Remember, turning your house into a cozy home is an ongoing process. It evolves with you and your experiences, so don't rush it. Take your time, enjoy the journey, and relish in the comfort of your own personal sanctuary. Your cozy haven awaits – now, go make it yours!

TOP STORY

America’s Attorney General

The Story

Attorney General Merrick Garland fielded some tough questions from the House Judiciary Committee.

What about?

The Justice Department’s investigations into former President Trump and Hunter Biden’s taxes and business dealings. The GOP is accusing Garland of “slow walking” the investigation into Hunter — all while going after Trump. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has previously raised the possibility of launching an impeachment probe against Garland over the DOJ’s handling of the Hunter investigation. Meanwhile, Democrats asked Garland if Biden asked him to indict Trump, to which Garland said no one told him to. They also asked him about the Supreme Court, hate crimes, and gun violence.

What did he say?

He told the committee “I am not the president’s lawyer” and that his job is “to follow the facts and the law.” He insisted he hasn’t interfered in the probe into Hunter. As far as the investigation itself, Garland said he took steps to make sure it stays on the straight and narrow — including allowing Trump-appointed special counsel David Weiss to lead it. The White House called the Republican’s a “distraction.”

This was Garland’s first appearance before the committee in two years. It comes as he oversees two unprecedented cases: criminal charges against a former president and another involving the sitting president’s son.

GRAB BAG

Stat: How much would you pay for happy little trees? “A Walk in the Woods,” the first painting Bob Ross ever made on his TV show, The Joy of Painting, is expected to sell for $9.85 million at auction. The program debuted in 1983 and ran for 11 seasons on PBS, with Ross painting 1,000 canvases on-air. Since Ross’s soothing instructions resurfaced as a pandemic comfort watch, the hirsute painter has become the most searched-for artist on Google, leapfrogging Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso, according to the owner of the gallery hosting the auction.

Inspiring Stories

The kids are alright
When a young boy was the only person in his age group signed up for a BMX competition, a group of teens volunteered to join his race (and let him take the lead). Watch the sweet video.

“If I can get on my feet then I can help my friends”
After Linda Jones’ Colorado condo was damaged in not one, but two fires, her son stepped up to raise money for her, garnering nearly $12,000 in just a few weeks.

SNIPPETS

Stanford University said it will return gifts received from bankrupt crypto exchange FTX. A lawsuit against founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s parents — both tenured Stanford law professors — alleges that the school received millions in donations from FTX.

Neuralink, Elon Musk’s neurotech startup, received approval to start recruiting patients for its first human clinical trials. The company’s brain implant aims to help patients with paralysis control tech — like a computer cursor or keyboard — with their brain.

Walmart is opening a pet center that will offer veterinary care and grooming. The pilot location near Atlanta will have a separate entrance from the main store and be staffed by employees of vet care company PetIQ.

“Fortnight” players who were charged for unwanted items can now claim their piece of Epic Games’ $245m settlement with the FTC. The FTC says 37m+ players may qualify.

Whoa: Scientists were able to sequence RNA from an extinct species — specifically, a Tasmanian tiger that died in 1936 — for the first time. Research, not a Jurassic Park-style resurrection, was the goal.

Tip of the Day: Top 5 Benefits of Living Trusts

Here’s why a living trust can serve you more than a will.

 Both a living trust and a will are designed to protect your assets. But, there are several situations where a living trust can benefit you more.

 One key example: You can avoid conservatorship if you become incapacitated and can’t manage your finances – a trustee can take care of things on your behalf.

 Here are 5 common reasons why people decide to set up a living trust: